There are a lot of conflicting views about drinking alcohol during pregnancy. While one thought of view believes that it is safer to completely stay away from alcohol when you’re expecting, others think that moderate drinking of about three to four glasses of alcohol a week is not harmful.

 

In fact, this may come as a surprise for all mothers-to-be who’d like to indulge themselves occasionally with some fine wine. New studies show that a glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for your child’s development! So say cheers!

 

How Much Is Permitted?

Its known for sure how much alcohol is allowed during pregnancy. Which is why some doctors feel that it is safer to steer clear of alcohol totally at least for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

 

What Are The Risks Of Drinking During Pregnancy?

Whatever you drink or eat, travels through your blood stream and reaches the baby through the placenta. And alcohol is no different. With the baby having to work twice as hard to break down the alcohol, chances are that the blood alcohol levels could rise to dangerous levels leading to developmental problems.

Drinking alcohol also means harming your baby’s health. It increases the risks of birth defects, miscarriage and stillbirth. Of course, all this is when you go on the binge and drink frequently.

 

Some of the other harmful effects of alcohol on your baby:

• Low birth weight
• Vision and hearing problems
• Behavioural problems
• Low attention span
• Speech and language problems
• Learning deficiency

 

Is It Ok If You Had An Occasional Drink Before You Knew You Were Pregnant?

If you’ve had a few drinks before knowing that your were pregnant, there’s nothing to worry. But once you’ve been tested positive, it’s important that you be responsible and keep away from alcohol during your pregnancy.